Governance

Gerry studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at Newcastle University, completing his PGCE in 1972. He taught modern languages and held leadership roles as Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head, and Headteacher. Since 2005, he has specialised as a consultant in research-based learning strategies across the UK and abroad.

Katherine studied Economics and Accounting at the University of Edinburgh and is a Senior Manager in External Audit at Deloitte. With a strong background in governance and finance, she supports Pele Trust's mission to provide quality education. Katherine mentors Deloitte graduates and values extracurricular opportunities for students.

Angi, Head Teacher of Hadrian Park Primary School in North Tyneside, has many years experience working across a diverse range of communities. Known for her flexibility, organisation and commitment she is dedicated to self-improvement and innovation. As a Pele Trust Director, she is passionate about quality education and enhancing community services through collaboration.

Ross is an experienced Growth Strategist, Consultant, Coach and Non-Executive Director. His firm typically works with CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Owner-Managers to build, grow, scale and exit their businesses. Ross has over 20 years of industry experience, having held Senior Commercial roles in Fortune 300 multinationals.

Rob graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and History from Carnegie PE College, Leeds. Now with Sunderland University, he leads Secondary Assessment in International Initial Teacher Training. His career spans roles as Director of Sport, Deputy Head, and Headteacher, with a focus on the impact of sport in education.

Rishi graduated with a Master’s in Law from Northumbria University in 2014 and is the Legal Services Manager at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Newcastle. Previously, he served as Legal Counsel at Siemens Gamesa, specialising in wind turbine projects. Rishi also mentors students and participates in the Inspiring the Future Programme.

Laura, a chartered accountant, trained in audit with Ernst & Young before specialising in mergers and acquisitions at Tait Walker and PwC in Newcastle, later spending four years with PwC in Brisbane, Australia. Laura currently holds the position of CFO at North East-based engineering group, British Engines.

Julia has extensive expertise in operational and strategic safeguarding within Education and Children’s Services. Formerly Deputy Safeguarding Lead at Middlesbrough College, she is now North East Regional Adviser for Disclosure & Barring Service, supporting safer recruitment. Passionate about child safety, Julia is committed to collaborative safeguarding.

Marian is a retired headteacher whose expertise lies in Early Years and Primary education. Marian served as Chair of Governors at Heddon C of E Primary School before becoming a Director of Pele Trust. She volunteers with Northumbria Citizens Advice, as well as supporting Cancer Research UK and several local homeless charities.

Peter holds an MA in Geography from Oxford and is Managing Director of his logistics business in Gateshead, established in 2014. His career began in marketing services in London, working with brands like Coca-Cola and Sainsbury. Now based in Northumberland, Peter is passionate about helping all children reach their potential.

Gerry studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at Newcastle University, completing his PGCE in 1972. He taught modern languages and held leadership roles as Head of Sixth Form, Deputy Head, and Headteacher. Since 2005, he has specialised as a consultant in research-based learning strategies across the UK and abroad.

Gary is a recently retired Pro Vice-Chancellor from the University of Sunderland with an academic background in leadership theory and organisational analysis. His previous roles include Head of Department at Leeds Beckett University, Principal Lecturer at Oxford Brookes, and Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin.

Liane is the Assistant Director of Education at the Joint Education Team, Dioceses of Durham and Newcastle. Liane has experience of working within law firms as well as being a senior lecturer in law at Northumbria University where she specialised in teaching employment law on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Liane has a particular interest in equality and diversity issues.

Maureen is a former secondary school leader. Following a period as Deputy Headteacher at St. Thomas More RC School, North Tyneside, Maureen was appointed as Headteacher of St. Bedes RC School, Lanchester from September 2002. In January 2009 the school was graded as Outstanding.

Mark Wroe, born in Newcastle and raised in Chester-le-Street, was consecrated as Suffragan Bishop of Berwick in January 2021. Educated at St Mary’s University and Ridley Hall, Cambridge, he has served across the Dioceses of Coventry, Durham, and Newcastle, including as Archdeacon of Northumberland since 2019.

As Chief Executive Officer, Kieran has a focus on delivering outstanding education, sustainability, and effective resource management. With his background as a successful Secondary Headteacher and Ofsted Inspector, Kieran provides dynamic leadership, inspiring school communities to meet the Trust’s vision and ensuring high standards of achievement and improvement.

As Chief Operating Officer, Claire leads the Trust’s non-educational operations, overseeing finance and audit, business operations, HR, estate management and compliance. With a background of strategic and operational expertise gained in both private and public sector organisations, Claire supports the CEO and Directors in achieving the Trust’s improvement goals, ensuring efficient use of resources and strong financial management.

As Deputy Chief Executive, Lynn supports the delivery of the Trust’s vision, ethos, and strategic goals. Drawing on her extensive experience as a primary school Headteacher, Lynn monitors educational standards, supports and collaborates with Headteachers to enhance teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes. She champions Special Educational Needs and Personal Development and Wellbeing across all Trust schools.

As School Improvement Lead, Katie brings extensive expertise from her background as a secondary school Head of English and former Ofsted HMI. She champions educational excellence, setting high standards and challenging the status quo to drive school improvement. Katie provides targeted support to primary and secondary schools, delivering highly effective strategic and operational support to school leaders

Jim Balkwill, Deputy Chief Executive, brings extensive experience from his role as Deputy Headteacher at Ponteland High School. He supports the Trust’s vision, values, and strategic goals, focusing on safeguarding, behaviour, and attitudes. Jim supports improvement, manages key risks, and develops innovative approaches to enhance teaching, learning, and student achievement overall.